Saturday, November 7, 2015

In response to some conversations about what can be done with the recent potential conflict of interest situation. There is a citizen option for a recall. Given the requirements, it is a steep one. The petition needs to be signed by 5% of the registered voters. That is doable. The steepness comes from the voting. As you should be aware, Franklin only gets more than 20% of the voters out for an election involving money (e.g. an override). For this recall initiative to be successful, more than 25% of the voters are required to vote in this special election.The last special election (Dec 2014) (to replace Glenn Jones on the Town Council when he resigned) drew just over 200 voters. About 1%.

-------------The Town Code reads:

Section 4 - Recall of elective officers

5-4-1

Any elective officer of the Town may be recalled and removed from office by the voters as herein provided. Any voter may file with the Town Clerk a petition containing the name and title of the elective officer whose removal is sought. For all elective officers such petition shall be signed by the qualified voters of the Town equal in number to at least five percent (5%) of those registered at the last regular Town election. Such recall petition must be filed within fourteen (14) days following its initial date of issuance.

5-4-2

If within seven (7) days following receipt of the petition the Town Clerk shall determine it to contain a sufficient number of valid signatures, provisions shall be made for a recall election to be held within sixty (60) days but not sooner than forty-five (45) days thereafter, provided that no such election shall take place if the regular Town election or another special election shall be held within ninety (90) days. All procedures for voting upon the recall question and filling any vacancy caused by the recall of an officer shall be in the same manner as provided by general law for the conduct of Town elections.

5-4-3

Any officer sought to be removed may be a candidate to succeed to the same office, and unless the officer requests otherwise in writing, the town clerk shall place the name of the officer on the ballot without nomination. The nomination of other candidates, the publication of the warrant for the removal election, and the conduct of the same, shall all be in accordance with the provisions of law relating to elections. Ballots used in a recall election shall ask if the officer sought to be recalled shall be recalled; and shall provide for the names of candidates seeking the office of the officer recalled.

5-4-4

If the votes cast upon the question of recall is in the affirmative, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected provided that at least twenty-five percent (25%) of all those qualified to vote shall have voted.

Note: this is not Franklin Matters or Steve Sherlock taking a position on this topic, this is simply sharing the information to continue the informed conversation already underway. As has been stated before and may need to be restated periodically, I do not take positions. I share information that is factual and timely.

Franklin residents who are between 3 and 5 years old are eligible to participate in the F.X O'Reagan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) integrated preschool program. Our NAEYC Accredited early childhood program features low student-teacher ratios and highly qualified public school early childhood and special education teachers and support staff.

Limited spaces are still available in our 2, 3 and 5 day half-day programs and in our 5 day extended morning session so act now!

Field Hockey - D1 South

#4 Franklin, 4 vs. #20 King Philip, 0 – Final

– Kelsey McPhee opened the scoring off an assist from Annie Walsh in the 11th minute. In the 23rd minute, Cassi Ronan added a goal off an assist from Taylor Reutlinger. Diana Griffin scored an unassisted goal and assisted on a goal by Walsh in the second half. Abby Campbell made 12 saves for KP. Franklin advances to the D1 South Quarterfinals and will host #5 Dennis Yarmouth on Sunday, 11/8 at 1:00.

Kelsey McPhee (13) celebrates the opening goal against KP on Friday. It turned out to be the winner in a 4-0 victory. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Not just another TED Talk. This caught my eye for a couple of reasons. I will be in Hong Kong for work next month. Cesar's approach to involve the children in problem solving is repeatable. Given the discussion about the low voter turnout Franklin has, and some comments that when parents brought their children into the high school to see the voting process, they were good. Well behaved, interested in what went on. One was reported to be making ballots and playing election when they got home.

"At the Harbour School in Hong Kong, TED Senior Fellow Cesar Harada teaches citizen science and invention to the next generation of environmentalists.

He's moved his classroom into an industrial mega-space where imaginative kids work with wood, metal, chemistry, biology, optics and, occasionally, power tools to create solutions to the threats facing the world's oceans.

There, he instills a universal lesson that his own parents taught him at a young age: "You can make a mess, but you have to clean up after yourself."

The 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node, a local chapter of the environmental advocacy group 350, met Thursday night to organize opposition to the pipeline project, which is slated for a phased construction starting in 2018, according to a Spectra spokesperson.

The group believes the natural gas shortage is false advertising, that New England has enough gas and the pipeline project would create a decades-long reliance on fossil fuels that runs opposite the state's carbon emissions goals.

Spectra Energy is proposing a new gas pipeline that would stretch 21 miles through Milford, Medway, Franklin, Bellingham, Norfolk, Millis, Walpole, Sharon, Canton and Stoughton.

Endicott junior defensive lineman Craig Anderson, of Franklin, was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-District Football first team for the second time in his career. The NCAA Division III District 1 team includes all schools in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

The CoSIDA Academic All-District program recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined academic and athletic performances. First-team Academic All-District honorees advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team ballot, where first-, second- and third-team All-America honorees will be selected later this month.

Three medical careers students at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School hosted a flu clinic for faculty members on Nov. 2.

During the clinic, pharmacist Ed Purtell of Rite Aid Pharmacy administered the vaccine to 48 staff members. Grade 10 students Alivia Carney, Katrina Chapman and Hannah Graveline, all of North Attleborough, took vital signs, administered a questionnaire and shared educational information on the flu vaccine and its benefits.

The Franklin High School's improvement plan took center stage at the School Committee's most recent meeting.

Discussing the plan at the Oct. 27 meeting, Principal Peter Light focused on administrator turnover, community outreach and the importance of the guidance department.

Light noted that the school had seen significant turnover, with five administrators moving on to other positions. He said, though, that the majority took higher positions at other districts, and that he was excited to hire new administrators from within the district's ranks.

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends will hold their monthly meeting this Wednesday, November 11th. Whether you are new to town or have lived here your entire life, please join us at the "3" Restaurant at 7:30pm.

3 Restaurant

We meet upstairs in a private function room: heavy appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. The meeting is open to all members and prospective members.

This month various speakers will highlight local Charitable Organizations and Volunteer Opportunities. We'll also discuss our 42nd annual Craft Fair which is to be held Saturday November 14th from 9 to 3:00 at Tri county Vocational School.

Franklin Newcomers

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends provides an opportunity to feel connected to Franklin through events and outings . . . nobody is a stranger here, we're all Friends!

Recent events have included hiking on the Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires, weekly power walking, biking on The Cape, movie nights, bowling, book group and many others.

The U.S. Census recently released updated data on state and local taxes across the country. Taxes are how we pay for most of what we do together through government: educate our children; protect our air and water; maintain our roads and public transit systems; keep our communities safe; help those facing difficult challenges; and provide everyone access to things that improve the quality of life in our communities like parks, libraries, and playgrounds.

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

When a young woman texted DoSomething.org with a heartbreaking cry for help, the organization responded by opening a nationwide Crisis Text Line to provide an outlet for people in pain.

Nearly 10 million text messages later, the organization is using the privacy and power of text messaging to help people with issues such as addiction, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, sexual abuse and more.

The data collected in the process is reshaping policy and preparing schools and law enforcement to better handle spikes in crises.

The FHS boys soccer team takes their first game in the playoff run topping Marshfield 5-0 according to Hockomock Sports.

#7 Franklin, 5 vs. #10 Marshfield, 0 – Final

– Austin Kent hooked up with Nick Parent twice in the first half, as Parent finished off a pair of corner kicks to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead at the break, Kevin Hall made it 3-0 off an assist from goalie Henri Guilmette, Kent made it 4-0 off an assist from Cam LeBlanc and Farley Asmath made it 5-0 off an assist from Brian Czuba.

FHS Panthers

Franklin advances to the D1 South Quarterfinals and will travel to #2 Brockton on Saturday, 11/7 at 6:00.

Town administrator Jeffrey Nutting, police chief Stephan Semerjian, and the Franklin Town Council announced Franklin is ranked as the ninth safest community in the state according to the 2015 Safest Cities in Massachusetts report.

“We are so pleased to have been ranked so high on the list of safest towns again,” said Nutting. “The dedication and hard work of our police department, fire department, town officials and everyone else who makes up this community are what makes this possible.”

The town is in the midst of negotiating a tax deal with an area manufacturer to move to the Franklin Industrial Park.

The Town Council, in its Oct. 21 meeting, agreed to let negotiations move forward on a tax increment financing (TIF) agreement with Holliston business Cold Chain Technologies. The business makes equipment to ensure temperature-sensitive materials are shipped properly.

life after 50

A day of free fun, education, entertainment and advice is on tap Saturday for all who want to get the most out of life after 50.

Wicked Local is hosting the Best Years Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Putnam Club in Gillette Stadium. The free event, which Wicked Local is presenting in partnership with WCVB-TV 5 and MeTV, will feature interactive demonstrations, live entertainment, informational booths and educational seminars geared toward Baby Boomers and senior citizens.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

As I got to the train station this morning, I realized the paving had not been done over night as scheduled.

The corner of Emmons and West Central

Fortunately, I did find this update on the Franklin webpage to explain the situation:"The Hot Mix Asphalt Plant that Walsh uses (Pawtucket Asphalt) had a major mechanical failure and will not be operational until tomorrow morning. We are moving our paving operations to Thursday night.If anyone has a question, please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer, Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949."

The Town of Franklin is in the process of updating its 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). The purpose of the OSRP is to create a document through a public input process that will guide the Town of Franklin in its continuing efforts to maintain and enhance the community's open space and recreation resources.

In order to complete a plan that represents the opinions, desires and needs of the community the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) is attempting to gather information in a variety of different ways, including:

tot lot at Fletcher Field

Open Space & Recreation Public Meeting

When: Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.

Where: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street

The DPCD will hold a public meeting on Saturday November 14th in order to facilitate comment and gauge public support for various open space and recreation priorities. Progress that was made by the Town implementing the 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan will be discussed, and written and verbal comment regarding future goals and suggested projects will be accepted.

Conservation Commission Public Hearing

When: Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 7:15 p.m.Where: Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street.

Conservation Commission members will discuss proposed goals and objectives to be included in the 2016 OSRP, and ask for input from the public on all open space preservation and recreation issues.

community painted fish at the Sculpture Park

Open Space & Recreation 2015 Citizen Participation Questionnaire

As part of the public input process the DPCD is conducting a survey; results of the Open Space & Recreation Citizen Participation Questionnaire will inform Town officials how Franklin residents feel about preservation of open space and the adequacy of parks and recreation opportunities.

Completed surveys will be accepted until December 4, 2015, at which time the DPCD will assess the collected data and develop a summary report which will include a fairly detailed analysis of specific variables.

The Questionnaire is attached. Copies of the Questionnaire can be downloaded from the Town's web site (http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/openspaceplan), or hard copies of the Questionnaire can be obtained at any of the following locations: Franklin Recreation Department, Franklin Town Library, Franklin Senior Center, and Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development.

Completed Questionnaires can be returned to the locations mentioned above or mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed to the following.

Stakeholder Meetings

DPCD staff will hold meetings with non-profit organizations, town personnel, and other stake holders upon request. Please contact DPCD staff at 508-520-4907 or planning@franklin.ma.us for more information.

Written Comments

Written comments can be mailed or emailed to DPCD staff at the address listed above. To ensure your input is included in the development of the 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan please provide written comments by December 4, 2015.

playground at DelCarte

Other Opportunities to Provide Input?

Once the Draft 2016 OSRP is developed the Town will implement a month-long public comment period, which will include at least one public hearing to gather input regarding the Draft plan. DPCD expects a Final plan will be submitted to the State for approval by February or March 2016.

Code of Conduct

Section 23(b)(2) Improper Use of Public Position

Section 23(b)(2) provides that a public employee may not knowingly, or with reason to know, use his official position to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions of substantial value for himself or others. Under section 23(b)(2), the Commission has consistently prohibited public employees from using their titles, public time and public resources to promote private interests.

Section 23(b)(3) Appearances of a Conflict of Interest

Section 23(b)(3) prohibits a public employee from knowingly, or with reason to know, engaging in conduct which would cause a reasonable person to conclude that any person or entity can improperly influence the employee or unduly enjoy his favor in the performance of his official duties, or that he is likely to act or fail to act as a result of kinship, rank, or position of any person.For example, issues may arise under this section if a matter involving a non-immediate family relative, a close friend or business associate, or a civic organization in which a public employee is a member comes before the public employee in his official capacity, even if the public employee is not otherwise required to abstain under G.L. c. 268A, sections 6, 13 or 19. The public employee's private relationship with such an individual or organization creates an impression that he could be biased in his official actions as a result of the private relationship.

The Special Ed Parent Advisory Council is pleased to present Patty and Gina, imperfect sisters, and authors of Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid, A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children and creators of The Movement of Imperfection. The event will take place December 3, 2015 at 7:00PM in the BFCCPS Auditorium located at 201 Main Street in Franklin, MA.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

Designed for caregivers of special children, this humorous, heartwarming 90-minute workshop is based on their best selling book. Using hilarious anecdotes and fun exercises (no Spandex required), the sisters will show attendees how to let go of the expectations they have for their children and embrace the reality.

It’s a worthwhile price to pay when you register for the annual Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run and Walk to be held Thanksgiving morning. The registration fee of $20, or 20 nonperishable food items, will go directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help those in need during this holiday season.

Sponsored by Feed the Need, the event begins and ends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church) at 91 Jordan Road in Franklin. The race, open to runners and walkers of all ages, is a great opportunity for the entire family to get out and exercise together before their traditional Thanksgiving feast. And, there’s the added benefit of helping to relieve hunger in the community.

“We are inspired by the great turnout for the Franklin race,” said Erin Lynch, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. “Thanksgiving is a time for everyone to truly appreciate what they have, but also an occasion to think of others who are struggling to put food on their tables. The Turkey Trot rallies our community to give back and help protect others from the threat of hunger. We are grateful to Feed the Need for spearheading the race and raising awareness about our own need in Franklin.”

The November 26 race will begin at 8 a.m. To participate in the Turkey Trot, you can pre-register online at www.feedtheneed.org; or sign up the day of the race from 7 – 8 a.m., or 7 – 9 p.m. the night before, at the LDS Church. The first 100 race participants to register Wednesday night will receive race t-shirts. For those interested in making food donations instead of the $20 registration fee, the Pantry is in most need of tuna, canned fruit, and health and hygiene products such as deodorant.

For more information, call 508-520-9864.

The entire Kilburn family of Franklin was among the almost 400 individuals who participated in last year’s Turkey Trot. They will be trotting again this year in support of the Franklin Food Pantry. Pictured, left to right, are Molly, Chris, Maddy, Bridget, Tom, Nate, and family friend Niamh O’Sullivan of Cumberland, RI.

The Franklin Food Pantry serves more than 600 households in Franklin. Eligible individuals can visit the Pantry every 30 days for supplemental food assistance and household necessities. In addition, clients can access bread and fresh produce daily. Emergency food bags and seasonal items, such as holiday meal packages, are also provided.

There is no charge to clients for Pantry items or services. Other programs include a Mobile Pantry for people who have difficulty getting to the downtown location; Cooking Matters classes that teach families how to shop smarter and cook delicious, affordable meals; and a Healthy Futures Market that offers fresh produce weekly from June to October.

The organization depends entirely on support and donations from volunteers, corporate partners, schools, churches and community members. For more information, or to make a donation, visit franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

Our Memory Cafe for November will be held on November 19th from 3:00 to 4:30 at the Franklin Senior Center. It is open to the community and free of charge. Caregivers are invited to attend with their loved one for refreshments, socialization and November's Cafe will feature painting small birdhouses for the winter months! Please join us! Call Elaine Owens at 508-520-4945 at the Franklin Senior Center for more information or to register for the Cafe.

The council at its Oct. 21 meeting voted unanimously in favor of a one-year, $10.5 million project at the library. During construction, library services would be relocated.

Town Council member and Library Committee Chairwoman Judith Pfeffer said the committee had approved the project's designs, and the project manager and architects were working to finish work on specifications.

"I don't think we're going to be able to go out to bid until the first of the year," she said, adding that construction would likely begin sometime around June or July.

Their graduation marks the first time the Franklin Police Department has hired new recruits since 2004, now bringing the department to 45 members. Officers Bolze and Colecchi have begun their 10-week field training program and upon completion will be assigned to a shift.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is in the midst of a project that will open a "splash park" at its Franklin location next spring.

The Bernon Family Branch celebrated a groundbreaking for the park - which consists of rubberized areas with water jets and other features - in late October. The project was made possible by a $250,000 grant from the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation.

Scott Martin, the branch's executive director, said the park - which will be located next to the location's outdoor pool - would offer flexibility to member families.